In the early 1950's through the 1980's a group of twenty-six African-American artists had their own individual techniques and captured Florida's waterscapes, backcountry marshes, and inlets the way they were before recent tourism developed the country side. In 2004, twenty-six individuals were inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame as "Florida Highwaymen." This induction recognized their painting skills and their story has caused their paintings to skyrocket in value.

R. L. Lewis is one of the original "Florida Highwaymen" Artists. He has not only sold many of his works, but has additionally educated and exposed thousands of students and adults during the past four decades to his "GOD bred" artistic talents.

One of his students, B. L. Butler, has been mentoring with Mr. Lewis for the past seven years. She is originally from the state of Wisconsin. As a small child she would watch her mother and grandmother paint wonderful paintings. Ms. Butler said, "she never picked-up an artist's brush as a child." Ms. Butler's grandmother painted until her death in 1993 at the age of 93 years old. Eight years ago, when Ms. Butler's mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, she moved to Florida to be with her parents and she got a job working with R. L. Lewis at his art studio.

Ms. Butler enjoys painting "Highwaymen" style paintings or what is called, "Florida Tropical Painting," especially when it brings a smile to her customers. Like the Highwaymen Artists that sold their paintings up and down Route 1 and the east coast of Florida, she has taken her art to the internet super highway. Under the eBay name of "artistblbutler," you will find her internet art gallery.

Ms. Butler has generously agreed to donate one of her paintings to the fellowship at Friendship Christian Community. In her own words she describes it: "Here is the painting for your church. It is a Royal Poinciana Tree along the river. It's painted on Masonite and the frame was handcrafted by my dad. It is pine with a white washed gold finish, similar to the highwaymen style of frame. Framed, it measures 16 1/2" x 14". I hope you like it."

We are both proud and privileged to offer it through a public raffle. All proceeds to benefit the ministry of Friendship Christian Community. The final drawing to be held at the FCC Yard Sale next to the Sebastian River Middle School at NOON on November14th.

For more information, call (772)388-5566 or visit us on the web (just click on "Yard Sale") at http://www.friendshipchristiancommunity.org/